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Billmann M, Hulot C, Pauget B, Badreddine R, Papin A, Pelfrêne A. Oral bioaccessibility of PTEs in soils: A review of data, influencing factors and application in human health risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165263. [PMID: 37400023 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the behavior of metal(loi)ds transported from soil to humans is critical for human health risk assessment (HHRA). In the last two decades, extensive studies have been conducted to better assess human exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by estimating their oral bioaccessibility (BAc) and quantifying the influence of different factors. This study reviews the common in vitro methods used to determine the BAc of PTEs (in particular As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Sb) under specific conditions (particularly in terms of the particle size fraction and validation status against an in vivo model). The results were compiled from soils derived from various sources and allowed the identification of the most important influencing factors of BAc (using single and multiple regression analyses), including physicochemical soil properties and the speciation of the PTEs in question. This review presents current knowledge on integrating relative bioavailability (RBA) in calculating doses from soil ingestion in the HHRA process. Depending on the jurisdiction, validated or non-validated bioaccessibility methods were used, and risks assessors applied different approaches: (i) using default assumptions (i.e., RBA of 1); (ii) considering that bioaccessibility value (BAc) accurately represents RBA (i.e., RBA equal to BAc); (iii) using regression models to convert BAc of As and Pb into RBA as proposed by the USA with the US EPA Method 1340; or (iv) applying an adjustment factor as proposed by the Netherlands and France to use BAc from UBM (Unified Barge Method) protocol. The findings from this review should help inform risk stakeholders about the uncertainties surrounding using bioaccessibility data and provide recommendations for better interpreting the results and using bioaccessibility in risk studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Billmann
- Univ. Lille, IMT Nord Europe, Univ. Artois, JUNIA, ULR 4515-LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, 48 boulevard Vauban, F-59000 Lille, France; Agence de l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie, 20 avenue du Grésillé BP 90406, F-49004 Angers Cedex 01, France
| | - Corinne Hulot
- Ineris, Parc technologique Alata, BP 2, F-60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | | | - Rabia Badreddine
- Ineris, Parc technologique Alata, BP 2, F-60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Arnaud Papin
- Ineris, Parc technologique Alata, BP 2, F-60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Aurélie Pelfrêne
- Univ. Lille, IMT Nord Europe, Univ. Artois, JUNIA, ULR 4515-LGCgE, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, 48 boulevard Vauban, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Wang YL, Tsou MCM, Lai LC, Hseu ZY, Hsi HC, Chien LC. Oral and inhalation bioaccessibility of mercury in contaminated soils and potential health risk to the kidneys and neurodevelopment of children in Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:6267-6286. [PMID: 37289259 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Health risk assessments of exposure to mercury (Hg) from soils via ingestion and inhalation are indispensable for Taiwanese people living in the vicinity of Hg-contaminated sites. In this study, anthropogenic soils were collected from various polluted sources in Taiwan. In vitro oral and inhalation bioaccessible fractions of Hg were analyzed to avoid from overestimating the exposure risk. Discrepancies in oral and inhalation bioaccessible levels of Hg in soils were found using different in vitro assays with different pH levels and chemical compositions. The freshly contaminated soil (soil S7) polluted by chlor-alkali production activity sampled before the site was remediated had the highest total Hg concentration of 1346 mg/kg, with the highest oral bioaccessibility of 26.2% as analyzed by SW-846 Method 1340 and inhalation bioaccessibility of 30.5% as analyzed by modified Gamble's solution. The lesser extent of aging of Hg in soil S7 increased the Hg availability for humans, which was also found based on results of a sequential extraction procedure. Results of the hazard quotient showed that soil ingestion was the main pathway causing non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults. Children were also exposed to higher risks than were adults due to higher frequencies of hand-to-mouth behaviors and lower body weights. Furthermore, hazard index results adjusted for oral and inhalation bioaccessible Hg were lower than those obtained based on the total Hg content; however, an unacceptable value of the non-carcinogenic risk (> 1) for children living near soil S7 was still observed. This study suggests that children living near sites polluted for a short period of time may suffer potential renal effects regardless of the bioaccessibility. Our findings provide suggestions for decision makers on setting new strategies for managing risks of Hg-contaminated soils in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Lin Wang
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Da'an Dist., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Li-Chi Lai
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Da'an Dist., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Zeng-Yei Hseu
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, 1 Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Da'an Dist., Taipei, 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi Dist., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Wu Z, Xia T, Zhang D, Li S, Jia X, Zhang L. Incorporating soil mercury species and fractions into multi-objective risk assessment of a residue disposal site in China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:2149-2165. [PMID: 35838858 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01311-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental problems in soil and water caused by solid waste dumps have become a growing concern. This study proposes an integrated risk assessment model aimed at multi-objectives including human, ecology and groundwater and develops remediation target values at different tiers associated with soil mercury species and fractions in a typical residue disposal site of China. The results show that the residue disposal site was severely contaminated with mercury, with the maximum mercury content in the soil reaching 579.14 mg/kg. The average concentration of vapour mercury, bioaccessible mercury, bioavailable mercury and leachable mercury tested in laboratory was 87.65 mg/kg, 3.15 mg/kg (intestinal phase), 1.654 mg/kg and 0.045 mg/L, respectively. The hazard index calculated using total mercury, bioaccessible mercury and vapour mercury was 7.43 E + 01, 4.42 E + 01, and the remediation target values were7.79 mg/kg and 13.1 mg/kg, respectively. The ecological risk for total mercury and bioavailable mercury was calculated using measured site soil mercury background values of 6390.92 and 94.52, and the remediation target was 0.7 mg/kg and 47.33 mg/kg, respectively. Under Class IV water conditions, the measured and three-phase equilibrium model simulations of leachable mercury resulted in remediation targets of 6 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg for soil mercury. Compared to total mercury, the remediation target values calculated using mercury species and fractions were significantly larger under human health protection, ecology protection and groundwater protection. This results in a reduction in the area of soil to be remediated by 20.3-85.7%, resulting in significant savings in remediation costs. It was concluded that when conducting risk assessment and reuse of mercury-contaminated sites, it is important to consider the species and fractions of mercury in the soil in order to reasonably determine the remediation criteria and scale of remediation to avoid over-remediation and incomplete remediation. At the same time, a comprehensive protection target remediation mechanism should be established by combining different receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wu
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Dan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Heilongjiang Academy of Environmental Sciences, Harbin, 150056, China
| | - Xiaoyang Jia
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
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Literature review and meta-analysis of gastric and intestinal bioaccessibility for nine inorganic elements in soils and soil-like media for use in human health risk assessment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ciani F, Chiarantini L, Costagliola P, Rimondi V. Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy). TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9060141. [PMID: 34203704 PMCID: PMC8232298 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9060141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Museums air quality can be negatively affected by treatments with heavy metals compounds employed to prevent pest infestations. Among these, the past use of mercury dichloride (HgCl2) on herbaria artifacts currently produces high levels of indoor atmospheric gaseous mercury (Hg0) and possibly of particulate bound Hg (PBM), i.e., the particulate matter containing Hg. This study evaluates the PBM pollution in the Central Italian Herbarium (Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Italy), characterizing the size range and chemical speciation with SEM-EDS microanalysis. The analysis of the total Hg concentration in the samples allowed to calculate the workers exposure risk to this pollutant. PBM is almost totally classifiable as fine particulate with a significant dimensional increase in a period of scarce attendance of the Herbarium rooms. The microanalysis indicates that Hg is essentially bound to S, highlighting the change of Hg speciation from the original association with Cl. The average Hg concentration reveals a potential health risk for workers as result of multiple Hg exposure pathways, mainly by ingestion. The study provides information for characterizing PBM pollution that could affect a workplace atmosphere and a useful basis to evaluate and correctly design solution strategies to reduce the contamination levels and protect workers’ health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Laura Chiarantini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
- Centro di Servizi di Microscopia Elettronica e Microanalisi (M.E.M.A.), Università di Firenze, Via G. Capponi, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Valentina Rimondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Jiang L, Zhang R, Zhang L, Zheng R, Zhong M. Improving the regulatory health risk assessment of mercury-contaminated sites. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123493. [PMID: 32707467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
An alternative risk assessment strategy for mercury (Hg)-contaminated sites is proposed with bioaccessible fractions and soil Hg vapor (SHgV) concentrations. The new strategy avoids the conservatism of assessment rely on soil total Hg (THg) content and inaccuracy caused by predicted SHgV concentration. The exposure risk to Hg-contaminated soil associated with historical mining activities in Guizhou, China, was evaluated using the proposed strategy. The experimental results revealed that the average bioaccessibility in gastric, intestinal and lung phases was 10.39 % (2.09 % ∼ 35.28 %), 1.28 % (0.23 % ∼ 4.3 %), and 11.27 % (5.04 % ∼ 20.71 %), respectively. Via the proposed strategy, the Hg risk for the oral ingestion pathway, represented as the hazard quotient (HQ), decreased from 1.57 to an acceptable level of 0.19 (<1). The risk of SHgV inhalation sharply decreased from 1168 to 0.35 while the soil PM10 inhalation pathway did not exhibit significant variations. The dominant exposure pathways turned to oral intake and inhalation of SHgV by the strategy. The results indicated that the proposed assessment strategy can greatly improve the understanding of the exposure risk level at Hg-contaminated sites and provide a reasonable decision basis for decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Ruihuan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China; Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Maosheng Zhong
- National Engineering Research Centre of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
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Vasques ICF, Lima FRD, Oliveira JR, de Morais EG, Pereira P, Guilherme LRG, Marques JJ. Comparison of bioaccessibility methods in spiked and field Hg-contaminated soils. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126904. [PMID: 32957297 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Estimating bioaccessible content of mercury in soils is essential in evaluating risks that contaminated soils pose. In this study, soil samples spiked with HgCl2 through adsorption were used to test the effects of liming, soil organic matter, soil depth, and Hg concentration on the following bioaccessibility tests: dilute nitric acid at room temperature, dilute nitric acid at body temperature, Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET) method, and gastric phase of the In vitro Gastrointestinal (IVG) protocol. Soil and sediment samples from Descoberto, Minas Gerais (Brazil), a city with a well-known record of Hg contamination from artisanal mining, were subjected to these bioaccessibility tests for the first time, and the different methods of estimating bioaccessible content were compared. Bioaccessible fractions in spiked samples ranged from 10% to 60%, and this high bioaccessibility was due to the highly soluble species of Hg and the short time under adsorption. In general, clay and organic matter decreased bioaccessible content. Although the soil in Descoberto is undoubtedly polluted, mercury bioaccessibility in that area is low. In general, dilute nitric acid estimated higher bioaccessible content in soil samples, whereas the SBET method estimated higher bioaccessible content in sediment samples. In multivariate analysis, two groups of bioaccessibility tests arise: one with the two nitric acid tests, and the other with SBET and the gastric phase of the IVG protocol. The addition of pepsin and glycine in the last two tests suggests a more reliable test for assessing mercury bioaccessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela C F Vasques
- Departamento de Solos, Avenida PH Rolfs, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Francielle R D Lima
- Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Avenida Dr Sylvio Menecucci, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jakeline R Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Avenida Dr Sylvio Menecucci, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Everton G de Morais
- Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Avenida Dr Sylvio Menecucci, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Polyana Pereira
- Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Avenida Dr Sylvio Menecucci, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz Roberto G Guilherme
- Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Avenida Dr Sylvio Menecucci, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João José Marques
- Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Avenida Dr Sylvio Menecucci, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, 37200-900, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Gao P, Lei T, Jia L, Yury B, Zhang Z, Du Y, Feng Y, Xing B. Bioaccessible trace metals in lip cosmetics and their health risks to female consumers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:554-561. [PMID: 29605615 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Females can be exposed to toxic elements in lip cosmetics following ingestion. The bioaccessibility of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Sb and Pb in lip cosmetics (n = 32) were assessed via the dilute HCl extraction method, In Vitro Gastrointestinal protocol (IVG) and the United States Pharmacopeia Methodology (USPM), and then health risks were characterized. The total concentrations of trace metals (TMs) in lip cosmetics were in the range of 15.55-111.97 mg/kg (Mean: 60.99 mg/kg). Cu, Pb and Cr were the three major TMs and accounting for >75% of the total concentrations. Except Sb and Pb in 4/32 and 4/32 samples were higher than the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States) limits, the other TMs were lower than that limits. Only bioaccessible Pb in all samples significantly exceeded the FDA limit 0.1 mg/kg in candy. Using IVG or USPM might be preferable for evaluating the TMs exposure over HCl since they better represent gastrointestinal physiology. The estimated average daily intake (ADI) of bioaccessible ∑TMs through lip cosmetics ingestion of career women and female college students were under safety level. The long-term exposure of bioaccessible TMs by lip cosmetics using would inevitably cause non-carcinogenic health risk. This is the first report on the in vitro tests used for evaluating bioaccessible TMs in lip cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 West Xingang Road, Guangzhou, 510275, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tingting Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liming Jia
- Environmental Monitoring Centre of Heilongjiang Province, 2 Weixing Road, Harbin, 150056, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Badmatsybenov Yury
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhaohan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yingqiu Du
- Agricultural Products Quality and Safety Research Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 368 Xuefu Road, Harbin, 150086, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States
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Bavec Š, Gosar M, Miler M, Biester H. Geochemical investigation of potentially harmful elements in household dust from a mercury-contaminated site, the town of Idrija (Slovenia). ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2017; 39:443-465. [PMID: 27056363 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9819-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive geochemical investigation of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in household dust from the town of Idrija (Slovenia), once a world-famous Hg mining town that is now seriously polluted, was performed for the first time. After aqua regia digestion, the content of mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) was measured. PHE-bearing particles were recognised and observed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry before and after exposure to simulated stomach acid (SSA). Mercury binding forms were identified by Hg thermal desorption technique and gastric bioaccessible Hg was estimated after SSA extraction by ICP-MS. With regard to rural and urban background values for Slovenia, high Hg content (6-120 mg/kg) and slightly elevated As content (1-13 mg/kg) were found. Mercury pollution is a result of past mining and ore processing activities. Arsenic content is potentially associated with As enrichment in local soils. Four Hg binding forms were identified: all samples contained Hg bound to the dust matrix, 14 samples contained cinnabar, two samples contained metallic Hg (Hg0), and one sample assumingly contained mercury oxide. After exposure to SSA, Hg-bearing phases showed no signs of dissolution, while other PHE-bearing phases were significantly morphologically and/or chemically altered. Estimated gastric Hg bioaccessibility was low (<0.006-0.09 %), which is in accordance with identified Hg binding forms and high organic carbon content (15.9-31.5 %) in the dust samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Špela Bavec
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mateja Gosar
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miloš Miler
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Harald Biester
- Technical University Braunschweig, 38106, Brunswick, Germany
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Lou C, Liu X, Nie Y, Emslie SD. Fractionation distribution and preliminary ecological risk assessment of As, Hg and Cd in ornithogenic sediments from the Ross Sea region, East Antarctica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 538:644-653. [PMID: 26322729 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate mobility of toxic elements and their potential ecological risk caused by seabird biovectors, the fractionation distributions of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were investigated in three ornithogenic sediment profiles from the Ross Sea region, East Antarctica. The results show residual As holds a dominant position, and Hg mainly derives from residual, organic matter-bound and humic acid-bound fractions, indicating weak mobility of As and Hg. However, exchangeable Cd occupies a considerable proportion in studied samples, suggesting Cd has strong mobility. The preliminary evaluation of Sediment Quality Guidelines (SGQs) shows adverse biological effects may occur occasionally for As and Cd, and rarely for Hg. Using Risk Assessment Code (RAC), the ecological risk is assessed at moderate, low and very high for As, Hg and Cd pollution, respectively. Organic matter derived from guano is the main factor controlling the mobility of Hg and Cd through adsorption and complexation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuangneng Lou
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Yaguang Nie
- Institute of Polar Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Steven D Emslie
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
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Laird BD, Weiseth B, Packull-McCormick SR, Peak D, Dodd M, Siciliano SD. Solid-liquid separation method governs the in vitro bioaccessibility of metals in contaminated soil-like test materials. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 134:544-549. [PMID: 25600322 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An in vitro gastrointestinal model was used to explore the role of solid-liquid separation method on the bioaccessibility of trace elements in a smelter-impacted soil (NIST-2711) from Helena, MT and a mine overburden from an open-pit gold and silver mine in Mount Nansen, YK (YK-OVB). Separation methods studied included centrifugation (5,000 g, 12,000 g), syringe microfiltration (0.45 μm), and ultrafiltration (1,000 kDa, 50 kDa, 30 kDa, 10 kDa, 3 kDa). Results indicated that the use of syringe microfiltration generally yields the same bioaccessibility as the use of centrifugation and that the speed of centrifugation does not typically affect metal bioaccessibility. However, ultrafiltration consistently yields a significantly lower bioaccessibility than the use of centrifugation and syringe microfiltration. There are rarely any differences between bioaccessibility estimates generated using a low-resistance (1,000 kDa) and a high-resistance (3 kDa) ultrafiltration membrane; therefore, under the in vitro gastrointestinal conditions modeled herein, negligible quantities of trace elements are complexed to small molecules between 3 and 1,000 kDa. The primary exceptions to these trends were observed for Pb in NIST-2711 (5,000 g>12,000 g>0.45 μm>ultrafiltration) and for Tl in NIST-2711 and YK-OVB (5000 g∼12,000 g>0.45 μm>ultrafiltration). These results provide valuable information to researchers attempting to expand the use of in vitro bioaccessibility beyond soil Pb and As.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Laird
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Blake Weiseth
- Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Derek Peak
- Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Matt Dodd
- Royal Roads University, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven D Siciliano
- Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Safruk AM, Berger RG, Jackson BJ, Pinsent C, Hair AT, Sigal EA. The bioaccessibility of soil-based mercury as determined by physiological based extraction tests and human biomonitoring in children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 518-519:545-553. [PMID: 25777960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants associated with soil particles are generally less bioavailable than contaminants associated with other exposure media where chemicals are often found in more soluble forms. In vitro methods, such as Physiological Based Extraction Tests (PBET), can provide estimates of bioaccessibility for soil-based contaminants. The results of these tests can be used to predict exposure to contaminants from soil ingestion pathways within human health risk assessment (HHRA). In the current investigation, an HHRA was conducted to examine the risks associated with elevated concentrations of mercury in soils in the northern Canadian smelter community of Flin Flon, Manitoba. A PBET was completed for residential soils and indicated mean bioaccessibilities of 1.2% and 3.0% for total mercury using gastric phase and gastric+intestinal phase methodologies, respectively. However, as many regulators only allow for the consideration of in vitro results for lead and arsenic in the HHRA process, in vitro bioaccessibility results for mercury were not utilized in the current HHRA. Based on the need to assume 100% bioaccessibility for inorganic mercury in soil, results from the HHRA indicated the need for further assessment of exposure and risk. A biomonitoring study was undertaken for children between 2 and 15 years of age in the community to examine urinary inorganic mercury concentrations. Overall, 375 children provided valid urine samples for analysis. Approximately 50% of urine samples had concentrations of urinary inorganic mercury below the limit of detection (0.1 μg/L), with an average creatinine adjusted concentration of 0.11 μg/g. Despite high variability in mercury soil concentrations within sub-communities, soil concentrations did not appear to influence urinary mercury concentrations. The results of the current investigation indicate that mercury bioaccessibility in residential soils in the Flin Flon area was likely limited and that HHRA estimates would have been better approximated through inclusion of the in vitro study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Safruk
- Intrinsik Environmental Sciences Inc., 6605 Hurontario Street, Suite 500, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 0A3, Canada.
| | - Robert G Berger
- Intrinsik Health Sciences Inc., 6605 Hurontario Street, Suite 500, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 0A3, Canada
| | - Blair J Jackson
- Goss Gilroy Inc., 150 Metcalfe, Suite 900, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P1, Canada
| | - Celine Pinsent
- Goss Gilroy Inc., 150 Metcalfe, Suite 900, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1P1, Canada
| | - Alan T Hair
- Hudbay Minerals Inc., 25 York Street, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M5J 25, Canada
| | - Elliot A Sigal
- Intrinsik Environmental Sciences Inc., 6605 Hurontario Street, Suite 500, Mississauga, Ontario L5T 0A3, Canada
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13
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Guney M, Zagury GJ. Bioaccessibility of As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Sb in toys and low-cost jewelry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:1238-1246. [PMID: 24345102 DOI: 10.1021/es4036122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Children can be exposed to toxic elements in toys and jewelry following ingestion. As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Sb bioavailability was assessed (n = 24) via the in vitro gastrointestinal protocol (IVG), the physiologically based extraction test (PBET), and the European Toy Safety Standard protocol (EN 71-3), and health risks were characterized. Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb were mobilized from 19 metallic toys and jewelry (MJ) and one crayon set. Bioaccessible Cd, Ni, or Pb exceeded EU migratable concentration limits in four to six MJ, depending on the protocol. Using two-phase (gastric + intestinal) IVG or PBET might be preferable over EN 71-3 since they better represent gastrointestinal physiology. Bioaccessible and total metal concentrations were different and not always correlated, indicating that bioaccessibility measurement may provide more accurate risk characterization. More information on impacts of multiple factors affecting metals mobilization from toys and jewelry is needed before recommending specific tests. Hazard index (HI) for Cd, Ni, or Pb were >1 for all six MJ exceeding the EU limits. For infants (6-12 mo old), 10 MJ had HI > 1 for Cd, Cu, Ni, or Pb (up to 75 for Cd and 43 for Pb). Research on prolonged exposure to MJ and comprehensive risk characterization for toys and jewelry exposure is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Guney
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal , Montréal, Québec, H3C 3A7 Canada
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14
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Guney M, Welfringer B, de Repentigny C, Zagury GJ. Children's exposure to mercury-contaminated soils: exposure assessment and risk characterization. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 65:345-355. [PMID: 23546335 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-013-9891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury (Hg)-contaminated soils may pose a health risk to children by way of oral, dermal, and inhalatory pathways. However, risk characterization studies, including contaminant bioaccessibility with child-specific exposure parameters and scenarios, are lacking. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess children's Hg exposure using characterization and oral bioaccessibility data from Hg-contaminated soils characterized in previous studies (n = 8); and (2) to characterize probabilistic risk in terms of hazard index (HI) considering ingestion, dermal, and inhalation pathways. Total Hg concentrations in soils ranged from 2.61 to 1.15 × 10(4) mg kg(-1). For moderately contaminated soils (S1-S5: Hg ≤ 12.15 mg kg(-1)), low oral bioaccessibility values (1.5-7.5 %) lead to HI < 1 in all scenarios. However, exposure to highly contaminated soils (S6-S8) may pose serious risks to children under normal exposure (HI 0.89-66.5) and soil-pica behaviour scenarios (HI up to 131). All three pathways significantly contributed to the risk. Using total Hg concentrations in calculations (assuming 100 % bioavailability) instead of considering Hg bioavailability leads to risk overestimation. Further research on oral, inhalatory, and dermal bioavailability of Hg, as well as child play behaviour, is recommended to obtain more accurate risk estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Guney
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada
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15
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Guney M, Zagury GJ. Contamination by ten harmful elements in toys and children's jewelry bought on the North American market. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:5921-30. [PMID: 23621131 DOI: 10.1021/es304969n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Toys and children's jewelry may contain metals to which children can be orally exposed. The objectives of this research were (1) to determine total concentrations (TC's) of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Se in toys and jewelry (n = 72) bought on the North American market and compare TC's to regulatory limits, and (2) to estimate oral metal bioavailability in selected items (n = 4) via bioaccessibility testing. For metallic toys and children's jewelry (n = 24) 20 items had TC's exceeding migratable concentration limits (European Union). Seven of seventeen jewelry items did not comply with TC limits in U.S. and Canadian regulations. Samples included articles with very high Cd (37% [w/w]), Pb (65%), and Cu (71%) concentrations. For plastic toys (n = 18), toys with paint or coating (n = 12), and brittle or pliable toys (n = 18), TC's were below the EU migration limits (except in one toy for each category). Bioaccessibility tests showed that a tested jewelry item strongly leached Pb (gastric: 698 μg, intestinal: 705 μg) and some Cd (1.38 and 1.42 μg). Especially in metallic toys and jewelry, contamination by Pb and Cd, and to a lesser extent by Cu, Ni, As, and Sb, still poses an acute problem in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Guney
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3A7, Canada
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Koch I, Moriarty M, Sui J, Rutter A, Saper RB, Reimer KJ. Bioaccessibility of mercury in selected Ayurvedic medicines. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 454-455:9-15. [PMID: 23538135 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Five Ayurvedic medicines with mercury concentrations of 85mg/kg and higher were characterized with respect to their speciation and their bioaccessibility. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that the mercury in the Ayurvedic medicines was inorganic and best matched to cinnabar, even in samples that had been hypothesized to contain mercury through plant sources only. The bioaccessibility (bioaccessible concentrations and percent bioaccessibility) was measured using two methods: a two-phase physiologically based extraction test (PBET gastric, G and gastric+intestinal phase, GI); and the fed organic estimation human simulation test (FOREhST). The percent bioaccessibility of mercury in all Ayurvedic samples was very low (<5%), corresponding to the low solubility of cinnabar, but it increased with increasing dissolved organic carbon content of the bioaccessibility solutions (PBET-G<PBET-GI<FOREhST). Filtration of FOREhST solutions reduced the bioaccessible mercury concentrations to undetectable values for most of the Ayurvedic samples. Incorporation of percent relative bioaccessibility of mercury into risk calculations decreased daily intake estimates by 29-900 times, and reduced them to acceptable levels for three of the five medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Koch
- Environmental Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, K7K 7B4, Canada
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Laird BD, Peak D, Siciliano SD. Bioaccessibility of metal cations in soil is linearly related to its water exchange rate constant. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:4139-4144. [PMID: 21466150 DOI: 10.1021/es103710a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Site-specific risk assessments often incorporate the concepts of bioaccessibility (i.e., contaminant fraction released into gastrointestinal fluids) or bioavailability (i.e., contaminant fraction absorbed into systemic circulation) into the calculation of ingestion exposure. We evaluated total and bioaccessible metal concentrations for 19 soil samples under simulated stomach and duodenal conditions using an in vitro gastrointestinal model. We demonstrated that the median bioaccessibility of 23 metals ranged between <1 and 41% under simulated stomach conditions and < 1 and 63% under simulated duodenal conditions. Notably, these large differences in metal bioaccessibility were independent of equilibrium solubility and stability constants. Instead, the relationship (stomach phase R = 0.927; duodenum phase R = 0.891) between bioaccessibility and water exchange rates of metal cations (k(H₂O)) indicated that desorption kinetics may influence if not control metal bioaccessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Laird
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program of Toxicology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Gray JE, Plumlee GS, Morman SA, Higueras PL, Crock JG, Lowers HA, Witten ML. In vitro studies evaluating leaching of mercury from mine waste calcine using simulated human body fluids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:4782-8. [PMID: 20491469 PMCID: PMC2883854 DOI: 10.1021/es1001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Revised: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In vitro bioaccessibility (IVBA) studies were carried out on samples of mercury (Hg) mine-waste calcine (roasted Hg ore) by leaching with simulated human body fluids. The objective was to estimate potential human exposure to Hg due to inhalation of airborne calcine particulates and hand-to-mouth ingestion of Hg-bearing calcines. Mine waste calcines collected from Hg mines at Almaden, Spain, and Terlingua, Texas, contain Hg sulfide, elemental Hg, and soluble Hg compounds, which constitute primary ore or compounds formed during Hg retorting. Elevated leachate Hg concentrations were found during calcine leaching using a simulated gastric fluid (as much as 6200 microg of Hg leached/g sample). Elevated Hg concentrations were also found in calcine leachates using a simulated lung fluid (as much as 9200 microg of Hg leached/g), serum-based fluid (as much as 1600 microg of Hg leached/g), and water of pH 5 (as much as 880 microg of Hg leached/g). The leaching capacity of Hg is controlled by calcine mineralogy; thus, calcines containing soluble Hg compounds contain higher leachate Hg concentrations. Results indicate that ingestion or inhalation of Hg mine-waste calcine may lead to increased Hg concentrations in the human body, especially through the ingestion pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Gray
- U.S. Geological Survey, P.O. Box 25046, MS 973, Denver, Colorado 80225, USA.
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